Yet having to stand down for the 29 year-old for the visit of Wolfsburg to Old Trafford clearly rankled with Dimitar Berbatov. As it turned out, Berbatov ultimately spent just 19 minutes pondering his situation as United’s unconvincing £30.75m club record signing before Owen’s injury curse struck again, allowing the Bulgarian to reclaim his position alongside Wayne Rooney as the focal point of United’s attack.

Berbatov is a complex character. Often portrayed as moody and surly, those within Old Trafford suggest that shyness, not arrogance, is his defining character.

That observation helps explain Berbatov’s inability to claim centre stage since his arrival from Spurs 13 months ago. Old Trafford demands big personalities and Berbatov has been less scene stealer, more shrinking violet.

Until Wednesday night. Whether the penny has finally dropped that it takes more than languid passes to succeed at United, or whether Owen’s selection genuinely stung, Berbatov performed like a man possessed.

He was almost outdoing Rooney for passion and purpose as he energised United and his control to set up United’s second goal was a reminder of his potential.

When he displaced the popular Carlos Tévez last season, Berbatov pretty much became Old Trafford’s pantomime villain with his slow-burning style proving the polar opposite to the Argentine’s frenzied approach.

Ferguson must have switched Berbatov’s pre-match cup of tea with Rooney’s, however, judging by his instant impact. Within five minutes of replacing Owen, Berbatov released Rooney with a stunning pass with the outside of his right boot that allowed his strike partner to break between defenders.

Rooney lost possession, but the loose ball was picked up by Ryan Giggs, who would have been somewhat surprised to see Berbatov sprinting into the six-yard box.

Less than a minute later, another visionary pass found Antonio Valencia inside the penalty area. The finish, a right-foot shot wide of the far post, failed to match the pass.

Berbatov’s part in the second United goal was equally impressive, as he brought the ball under control to lay off to Giggs, who in turn set up Michael Carrick’s strike.

When Ferguson ended his six-month pursuit of Berbatov in the final hour of the 2008 summer transfer window, it was those passes that prompted United to break the bank.

That quality has been thin on the ground since. There have been positive signs in recent games, but all too brief glimpses. At Stoke on Saturday, it required the introduction of Giggs to trigger him into action, but he needed no cajoling last night. Ferguson’s selection had done the trick and Berbatov finally showed that he can tick all of his manager’s boxes.

All that was missing was a goal, but his strike-ratio suggests he will be on the scoresheet more often than not. The doubts have always surrounded his desire, but this performance could prove to be a defining moment in that debate.